State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan Meets Heads of Delegations to the Six-Party Talks

2003/08/29

On August 29, 2003, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met with delegates to the Beijing six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Tang said that the six-party talks have gained much attention from the international community and people of all countries have expectations on the talks, especially the countries in northeast Asia who hope for harmony and tranquility in the region and expect the Korean peninsula to step out of the shadow of the Cold War at an early date and realize lasting peace and stability.

Tang said that the talks were beneficial, adding that relevant parties had worked hard for the talks and laid foundation for the continuation of the process of talks. He also extended cordial greetings to the delegates of these countries.

Tang said that the six-party talks were a new way of dealing with global security problems and listed three implications: First, no matter how sharp and complicated the contradictions and conflicts are among different countries, a solution acceptable to all sides concerned should and can be found through communication and dialogue. This is the best way to ensure national and regional security. Second, mutual trust building is necessary to resolve disputes. To build mutual trust, nations should respect each other and treat each other with equality, forgo the use of force or threats of force, and refrain from comments and actions that might complicate the situation. Third, there may be discrepancies between the positions of different parties, but so long as they make joint efforts and discuss the problem with patience, it is not hard to finally find a meeting point of their respective interests.

He said resolving the nuclear issue demands the realization of denuclearization on the Korean peninsula and the addressing of rational security concern put forward by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) so as to ensure a normal development environment for the DPRK and a realization of lasting and stable peace and security in northeast Asia. This will be a complicated and difficult process, which requires political determination and diplomatic wisdom, as well as a high degree of sense and patience.

He said the talks revealed the political will of all parties seeking for reconciliation and cooperation and resolving the issue through dialogues and peaceful means. China has always been committed to safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and will continue to make positive efforts for a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue.

All parties expressed their appreciation for the Chinese government's concern and support for the six-party talks.